Ocean-based biological carbon dioxide removal is currently considered to be an important climate change mitigation strategy and kelp forests are proposed to play a key role based on their high productivity. In truth, we have very little fundamental knowledge of the kelp forest carbon cycle, a prerequisite for the successful implementation of such projects. For instance, information on the interplay between organic and inorganic carbon cycling during carbon assimilation is scant and crucial details on microbial carbon remineralisation and carbon burial are unknown. The goal of Luka’s PhD is to shed light on these stages of the kelp forest carbon cycle and assess if kelp forests can be used as an effective climate change mitigation strategy. Such knowledge will allow us to prioritise the most effective carbon dioxide removal strategies in our climate change mitigation portfolio.